This test method specifies a procedure for the determination of the kinematic viscosity of liquid petroleum products.

Methanol is a primary raw material reactant used in the production of biodiesel. The methanol content of biodiesel fuel is an important factor in determining the tendency of the fuel to exhibit flammable characteristics. Additionally, a key quality factor for the alcohol reactant material is water content; to some degree, methanol is hygroscopic. Water affects the extent and rate of the esterification reaction. Producers will value methanol purity tests to assure that water content is negligible at the start of production. Additionally, excess alcohol used during the production reaction can be recovered to minimize operating costs and environmental impacts. Evaluating the purity of recovered methanol enables the determination of reuse suitability. Lastly, the evaluation of methanol in a glycerin byproduct enables producers to market this fuel by-product as a commodity rather than manage it as a waste.  Methanol content in biodiesel is performed in accordance with EN14110.

As a fuel oxidizes, it may form organic acids and polymers that may cause fuel system deposits, fuel filter clogging, and fuel system malfunctions. Once auto-oxidation of the fuel begins, there is no way to reverse the effects. Although continued acid formation cannot be stopped, the process may be slowed by the addition of anti-oxidants. Oxidation Stability is performed in accordance with EN14112.

Calcium and Magnesium may form abrasive solids or be present as soluble metallic soaps. If present as solids, excessive injector, fuel pump, piston, and ring wear may result. Soluble metallic soaps may contribute to filter plugging and engine deposits. High levels of these elements may accumulate in exhaust particulate removal devices and may increase back pressure that may require shorter maintenance intervals. Calcium and Magnesium analysis is performed in accordance with EN14538.

This test method covers the determination of the sulfated ash from unused lubricating oils containing additives and from additive concentrates used in compounding. These additives usually contain one or more of the following metals: barium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, and tin. The elements sulfur, phosphorus, and chlorine can also be present in combined form.

This test method covers the determination of total sulfur in liquid hydrocarbons, boiling in the range from approximately 25° C to 400° C, with viscosities between approximately 0.2 cSt and 20 cSt (mm²/s) at room temperature.

This test method covers the quantitative determination of total monoglyceride, total diglyceride, total triglyceride, and free and total glycerin in B-100 methyl esters by gas chromatography.

This test method covers the determination of the volume of free water and sediment (as a percentage of the sample) that is suspended in the bulk fuel in middle distillate fuels with viscosities in the range of 1.0 mm²/s to 4.1 mm²/s at 40° C (1.0 cSt to 4.1 cSt at 104 °F) and densities in the range of 770 kg/m³ to 900 kg/m³ at 15° C.

This test method covers the direct determination of entrained water in petroleum products and hydrocarbons using automated instrumentation. This test method also covers the indirect analysis of water thermally removed from samples and swept with dry inert gas into the Karl Fischer titration cell. Mercaptan, sulfide (S^– or H₂S), sulfur, and other compounds are known to interfere with this test method. The precision statement of this method covers the nominal range of 20 mg/kg to 25,000 mg/kg for Procedure A, 30 mg/kg to 2100 mg/kg for Procedure B, and 20 mg/kg to 360 mg/kg for Procedure C.